Most Expensive Vintage Cars

Vintage cars are never cheap, but these cars have sold for more than anybody would have thought.

Vintage 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Buying a classic car is a dream for many. There are affordable options, but most of these are project cars. If you don’t want a vintage car that has rusted out floorboards, a bent drive train, and other parts missing that are no longer manufactured, you may need to invest a little more money into your car.

There are varying levels of expenses when it comes to vintage cars. Some are completely restored, costing much more. Here are a few of the most expensive that only a few people would have the resources, and the desire, to purchase.

1962 Ferrari 250 LM

Ferraris are already expensive cars as they are. This model jumped in price because there were only 32 produced. This car was part of Ferrari P, which was a prototype sports car around in the 60s and 70s. It was a car with a mid-engine racer for everybody. A model of this car is displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

The 250 LM was built to be a GT racer, but production was halted before they could be created in high quantities. Even though the car was still successful at racing, it was easily beat out by Shelby’s cars. In part because of its racing abilities, but mostly for the small numbers, in 2008 a 1962 Ferrari 250 LM sold for almost $7 million.

1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe

Carroll Shelby created a great automobile legacy. He worked with Ford, Dodge, and his own company to create race worthy vehicles. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe was based on the AC Cobra roadster, although there are some key differences. It was built to race against the Ferrari in the GT division. The rivalry between the two was tense in the 1960s. The Shelby Daytona Coupe had much success, even earning the land speed record at Bonneville in 1965. It became the only American car to beat Ferrari in Europe during a world championship race.

Between 1964 and 1965 only six of these cars were built, making them extremely hard to find now. In 2009, one of these cars was auctioned off, bringing in $7.25 million. This is the highest amount paid at an auction for an American made car.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540k Special Roadster

Although there were 26 of this car produced, they are even more valuable than the Shelby Daytona Coupe. Karl Benz created the first petrol-powered car called the Benz Patent Motorwagen, which was patented in 1886. Since that time, he has been known as the creator of the modern automobile. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926. Throughout its history, Mercedes-Benz has become one of the most well known automotive brands in the world. It is the oldest motor company still operating today.

The 540k was a two-seat convertible, which had the classic pre-war style. The car was built for the elite and political leaders to drive around Europe. Recently this car went up for auction and sold for $8.2 million, well above what the elite at that time would have paid.

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

We already know how expensive a Ferrari can be. The Testa Rossa is one of the most expensive cars in the world. It was one of the most successful cars Ferrari built for racing.

There were only 22 of these models produced at the time. In 2009, a 1957 Testa Rossa auctioned for $16.39 million, an astronomical amount. It had been rebuilt many times before being auctioned, and was in pristine condition.

If you’re feeling bad about the amount of money you’ve spent on your vintage car, take a look at these. These classic cars are worth more than most people will see in their lifetimes.

By Cassie Costner

As a classic car enthusiast, Cassie writes on vintage car restoration. She has searched the best Ogden auto body shops for the most affordable services. She also writes on restoring classic cars, and the resources you will need.